U.S. patent number 7,967,298 [Application Number 12/830,758] was granted by the patent office on 2011-06-28 for lateral sealing gasket and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Hurlbert, Rob Waters.
United States Patent |
7,967,298 |
Hurlbert , et al. |
June 28, 2011 |
Lateral sealing gasket and method
Abstract
An elongated elastomeric gasket (10) seals a pair of opposing
flanges (12, 14) against the passage of liquid without compressing
the flanges (12, 14) together. A reinforcing spring (32) is
embedded within the elastomeric gasket (10) and is shaped so as to
react when deflected by the operation of installing the gasket (10)
into an operative position between the flanges (12, 14). A
strategically located U-shaped bend (34) formed in the reinforcing
spring (32) causes, in a preferred embodiment, contact pressure to
be increased between opposed sealing beads at the other end of the
gasket. More specifically, lateral contact pressure between a first
pair of sealing beads (24) and their associated contact faces (38)
is increased as a direct result of the reinforcing spring (32)
being displaced during the assembly process. Likewise, lateral
contact pressure between a second pair of beads (28) and their
respective contact faces (42) is increased in direct response to
the lateral displacement of the reinforcing spring (32) in the
region of the first beads (24) during assembly.
Inventors: |
Hurlbert; David (Ypsilanti,
MI), Waters; Rob (Hartland, MI) |
Assignee: |
Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
(Southfield, MI)
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Family
ID: |
40351490 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/830,758 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100270745 A1 |
Oct 28, 2010 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11839056 |
Aug 15, 2007 |
7828302 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
277/567; 277/647;
277/644 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16J
15/121 (20130101); F16J 15/125 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16J
15/32 (20060101); F16J 15/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;277/438,530,567,647,644 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Patel; Vishal
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stearns; Robert L. Dickinson
Wright, PLLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/839,056 filed Aug. 15, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,302.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gasket system in combination with a pair of opposing flanges
for establishing a liquid resistant seal between the flanges,
comprising: an elongated elastomeric gasket body defining a
generally continuous length; a first flange extending parallel to
said gasket body, said first flange having a pair of oppositely
facing contact faces; a second flange extending parallel to said
gasket body and opposing said first flange, said second flange
having a pair of oppositely facing contact faces; said gasket body
including an integral first sealing member extending laterally
toward said first flange, and an integral second sealing member
extending laterally toward said second flange, each of said first
and second sealing members extending continuously and uninterrupted
along said length of said gasket body; a first pair of opposing
beads protruding laterally from said first sealing member, said
first opposing pair of beads extending continuously and
uninterrupted along said length for establishing laterally directed
contact seals against said respective contact faces of said first
flange; a second pair of opposing beads protruding laterally from
said second sealing member, said second opposing pair of beads
extending continuously and uninterrupted along said length for
establishing laterally directed contact seals against said
respective contact faces of said second flange; an elongated
reinforcing spring embedded within said gasket body and extending
within each of said first and second sealing members, said
reinforcing spring having at least one U-shaped bend for
continuously urging said respective first and second pairs of beads
laterally relative to said length to enhance the contact pressure
of said beads against the respective said contact faces of said
first and second flanges, whereby said gasket maintains a liquid
impervious seal between said first and second flanges through
self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of the respective
said contact faces; and wherein said resilient spring is defined by
a pair of spaced-apart legs embedded within said first sealing
member, said U-shaped bend adjoining said legs, and a complimentary
opposed pair of spaced-apart legs embedded within said second
sealing member, said legs partially overlapping the respective said
first and second flanges and partially extending into an
interstitial space between said opposing first and second
flanges.
2. A gasket system in combination with a pair of opposing flanges
for establishing a liquid resistant seal between the flanges,
comprising: an elongated elastomeric gasket body defining a
generally continuous length; a first flange extending parallel to
said gasket body, said first flange having a pair of oppositely
facing contact faces; a second flange extending parallel to said
gasket body and opposing said first flange, said second flange
having a pair of oppositely facing contact faces; said gasket body
including an integral first sealing member extending laterally
toward said first flange, and an integral second sealing member
extending laterally toward said second flange, each of said first
and second sealing members extending continuously and uninterrupted
along said length of said gasket body; a first pair of opposing
beads protruding laterally from said first sealing member, said
first opposing pair of beads extending continuously and
uninterrupted along said length for establishing laterally directed
contact seals against said respective contact faces of said first
flange; a second pair of opposing beads protruding laterally from
said second sealing member, said second opposing pair of beads
extending continuously and uninterrupted along said length for
establishing laterally directed contact seals against said
respective contact faces of said second flange; an elongated
reinforcing spring embedded within said gasket body and extending
within each of said first and second sealing members, said
reinforcing spring having at least one U-shaped bend for
continuously urging said respective first and second pairs of beads
laterally relative to said length to enhance the contact pressure
of said beads against the respective said contact faces of said
first and second flanges, whereby said gasket maintains a liquid
impervious seal between said first and second flanges through
self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of the respective
said contact faces; and wherein said resilient spring is defined by
a pair of spaced-apart legs embedded within said first sealing
member, said U-shaped bend adjoining said legs; wherein said first
flange is defined by a continuously extending tongue with said pair
of oppositely facing contact faces presenting laterally away from
one another on opposite sides of said tongue, said first pair of
opposing beads protruding laterally toward one another for directly
engaging said contact faces.
3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first flange is defined
by a continuously extending trough with said pair of oppositely
facing contact faces presenting laterally toward one another on
opposing sides of said trough, said first pair of opposing beads
protruding laterally away from one another for directly engaging
said contact faces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
A three-part gasket system for sealing opposing flanges without
compressing the flanges together, and more particularly a
loose-piece gasket that maintains a liquid impervious seal through
self-generated lateral contact pressure exerted on each of the
opposing flanges.
2. Related Art
Gaskets are used in a wide variety of sealing applications.
Typically, the gasket is compressed between opposing flanges to
perfect a fluid impervious seal. The compression load is usually
accomplished by spacing a plurality of bolts or other fastening
devices around the gasket. For practical purposes, both the gasket
and the opposing flanges must be designed and constructed out of
sufficiently sturdy material so as to support the compression loads
necessary to perfect the seal. As a result, the flange members tend
to be heavily constructed, thereby adding to overall weight and
cost.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,975 to Inciong, issued Nov. 18, 1997, describes
a gasketed sealing assembly whose objective is to minimize the
number of clamping bolts needed to establish an adequate
compressive load between opposing flanges. While the Inciong '975
patent represents a noteworthy advance in the art, it nevertheless
remains dependent upon maintaining some compressive load between
the opposing flanges to maintain a fluid tight seal. Thus, the
flanges must be constructed of sufficiently sturdy (and heavy)
material to withstand the compression loads.
A more recent example of a prior art attempt to reduce the
compression load requirements between opposing flanges may be found
in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0118073 to Bauer et al., published
Jun. 8, 2006. This technique, while effective, may be considered
expensive and not suited for all applications. In this design, the
gasket feature is molded directly to one of the flange portions.
The gasket member is of elastomeric construction with an embedded
stabilizing core made of a rigid plastic material that increases
lateral contact pressure on the opposing flange.
Accordingly, there exists a need in this field for a stand-alone
gasket such as that used in a three-part system comprising the
gasket and a pair of opposing flanges which are sealed together
against the passage of liquid without compressing the flanges
together. The stand-alone nature of the gasket component reduces
overall system cost and facilitates low-cost repairs and
maintenance. Therefore, a solution is needed that will enable
light-weight flange constructions due to the avoidance of
compressive loads. The solution must be low-cost, versatile,
durable and easily adapted from one application to the next.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of this invention, a stand-alone,
loose piece gasket is provided for sealing a pair of opposing
flanges together against the passage of liquid without compressing
the flanges together. The gasket comprises an elongated elastomeric
gasket body defining a generally continuous length. The gasket body
includes an integral first sealing member extending in a first
lateral direction relative to the length, and an integral second
sealing member extending in a second lateral direction opposite to
the first lateral direction. Each of the first and second sealing
members extend continuously and uninterrupted along the length of
the gasket body. A first pair of opposing beads protrudes laterally
from the first sealing member. The first opposing pair of beads
extends continuously and uninterrupted along the length of the
gasket for establishing a laterally directed contact seal against a
first one of the opposing flanges. A second pair of opposing beads
protrudes laterally from the second sealing member. The second
opposing pair of beads extends continuously and uninterrupted along
the length of the gasket for establishing a laterally directed
contact seal against a second one of the opposing flanges. An
elongated reinforcing spring is embedded within the gasket body and
extends within each of the first and second sealing members. The
reinforcing spring has at least one U-shaped bend for continuously
urging the respective first and second pairs of beads laterally
relative to the length to enhance the contact pressure of the beads
against their respective opposing flanges. By this construction,
the gasket maintains a fluid impervious seal between the opposing
flanges through self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of
the flanges without compressive force.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a three-part gasket
system is provided for sealing a pair of opposing flanges together
against the passage of liquid without compressing the flanges
together. The three-part system consists of an elongated
elastomeric body, along with first and second flanges. The
elongated elastomeric gasket body defines a generally continuous
length. The first and second flanges extend parallel to the gasket
body, and each have a pair of oppositely facing contact faces. The
gasket body includes an integral first sealing member extending
laterally toward the first flange, and an integral second sealing
member extending laterally toward the second flange. Each of the
first and second sealing members extend continuously and
uninterrupted along the length of the gasket body. A first pair of
opposing beads protrudes laterally from the first sealing member.
The first opposing pair of beads extends continuously and
uninterrupted along the length for establishing laterally directed
contact seals against the respective contact faces of the first
flange. Likewise, the second pair of opposing beads is similarly
structured and establishes a laterally directed contact seal
against the respective contact faces of the second flange. An
elongated reinforcing spring is embedded within the gasket body and
extends within each of the first and second sealing members. The
reinforcing spring has at least one U-shaped bend for continuously
urging the respective first and second pairs of beads laterally
relative to the length so as to enhance the contact pressure of the
beads against the respective contact faces of the first and second
flanges. The gasket maintains a liquid impervious seal between the
first and second flanges through self-generated lateral contact
pressure on each of the respective contact faces.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided for maintaining a sealed interface between a pair of
opposing flanges without compressing the flanges together.
According to the method, first and second flanges are provided,
each having a pair of oppositely facing contact faces. An elongated
elastomeric body is interposed between the first and second
flanges. A first pair of opposing beads on the gasket body bears in
lateral pressing contact against the respective contact faces of
the first flange. And likewise, a second pair of opposing beads on
the gasket body bear in lateral pressing contact against the
respective contact faces of the second flange. An elongated
reinforcing spring is embedded within the gasket body and backs
each of the first and second pairs of beads. The improvement is
characterized by increasing the lateral contact pressure between
the second pair of beads and the respective contact faces on the
second flange in direct response to laterally displacing the
reinforcing spring in the region of the first beads. This occurs
simultaneously with the step of increasing the lateral contact
pressure between the first pair of beads and the respective contact
faces in the first flange in direct response to laterally
displacing the reinforcing spring in the region of the second
beads. Thus, according to the claimed method, the gasket maintains
a liquid impervious seal between the first and second flanges
through self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of the
respective contact faces.
In accordance with each aspect of this invention, the shortcomings
and disadvantages inherent in prior art approaches and teachings
are overcome.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection
with the following detailed description and appended drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view depicting an exemplary
application of the subject invention in the form of an engine
cylinder head, valve cover and valve cover gasket forming a
three-part sealing assembly;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a stand alone gasket
according to a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
FIG. 3 is a representational cross-sectional view of a prior art
gasket construction compressed between opposing flanges;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket assembly according to
a preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view as in FIG. 4 depicting the
multi-directional displacement of the embedded reinforcing spring
caused by the shaped interfaces of the opposing first and second
flanges;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view depicting through imaginary force
vectors the increase in lateral contact pressure exerted by each of
the beads as a result of the reinforcing spring displacement shown
in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view as in FIG. 4, but illustrating a
first alternative embodiment of the subject gasket assembly;
and
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view as in FIG. 4, but illustrating a
second alternative embodiment of the subject gasket assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a sealing
assembly according to the subject invention is exemplified in FIG.
1 comprising a gasket, generally indicated at 10, interposed
between a first flange 12 and a second flange 14. Although a gasket
assembly according to this invention may find usefulness in a
variety of applications, the exemplary embodiment described here
portrays use in an automotive environment where the first flange 12
comprises the lower, peripheral edge of a valve or rocker cover 16.
The second flange 14 is here shown forming the upper peripheral
edge of a cylinder head 18. Of course, these specifically-named
components are merely examples, and those of skill in the art will
appreciate other components, both within and outside of the field
of vehicular engines, with which to apply the teachings of this
invention.
The gasket 10 as depicted in FIG. 1 is formed as a continuous,
i.e., looping or endless, member. In many applications, this form
will be considered the norm. However, it is foreseeable that the
gasket 10 may be of similar elongated construction yet have
definite ends. In either event, the elongated, extrusion-like
nature of the gasket body consistently defines a generally
continuous length.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the length of the gasket 10 is established
by the elongated body of the gasket 10 and indicated by a
descriptive legend adjacent the drawing figure. The gasket body is
here shown including an integral first sealing member 20 extending
in a first lateral direction relative to the length. In this
example, the first lateral direction is depicted as an upward
pointing vector. All directional references, such as "lateral," are
relative to the length of the gasket body. Likewise, an integral
second sealing member 22 extends in a second lateral direction that
is generally opposite to the first lateral direction. Thus, in the
example of FIG. 2, the second lateral direction is represented by a
downwardly directed vector. Each of the first 20 and second 22
sealing members extend continuously and uninterrupted along the
length of the gasket body. Thus, the gasket 10 maintains a
generally consistent cross-section along its entire length, which
length may be either endless or definite.
A first pair of opposing beads 24 protrude laterally from the first
sealing member 20. The lateral directions referred to here in
relation to the beads 24 comprises third and fourth lateral
directions. These third and fourth lateral directions are
represented as vectors in FIG. 2 that are generally perpendicular
to the first and second lateral directions. The first pair of
opposing beads 24 extend continuously and uninterrupted along the
length of the gasket body for establishing a laterally directed
contact seal against the first flange 12. Thus, the first pair of
beads 24 takes the form of ribs, or ridges, extending the entire
length of the gasket 10. In addition to the first pair of beads 24,
supplemental first beads 26 can be added, as needed. Thus,
supplemental first beads 26 are optional and can be included in as
many pairs and arrangements as may be appropriate for a given
application. The supplemental beads 26, like the first pair of
beads 24 may or may not extend the continuous length of the gasket
10 and may be provided for enhanced sealing, enhanced retention, or
other purposes.
A second pair of opposing beads 28 protrude laterally from the
second sealing member 22. Like the first pair of beads 24, the
second pair of beads 28 also face in the third and fourth lateral
directions. By referring to the first 24 and second 28 pairs of
beads as "opposing," it is meant that the beads 24, 28 face in
laterally opposite directions, i.e., the third and fourth lateral
directions. In the case of the first pair of beads 24, they are
depicted as facing laterally away from or outwardly relative to one
another. However, in the case of the second pair of opposing beads
28, they are shown facing toward or inwardly relative to one
another. In addition to the second pair of beads 28, supplemental
beads 30 can be provided for the same purposes as that described
above in connection with the first pair of supplemental beads 26.
That is, the second pair of supplemental beads 30 may or may not be
continuous and uninterrupted along the length of the gasket 10, and
may be provided for enhanced sealing, enhanced grip, locating
purposes, or other useful objectives.
Preferably, the gasket 10 is made from a highly elastic,
elastomeric material such as rubber. The term "rubber" is used in a
more generic sense to refer to any compressible and highly
resilient elastomeric material. More generally, however, any
material known and used for gasketing applications can be used for
the gasket 10, provided it is elastomeric.
An elongated, reinforcing spring, generally indicated at 32, is
embedded within the elastomeric gasket body. The reinforcing spring
32 is preferably a unitary, sheet-like strip of metallic spring
material like high carbon steel or other highly resilient alloy.
The reinforcing spring 32 is shaped so as to extend within each of
the first 20 and second 22 sealing members, backing the respective
first 24 and second 28 pairs of opposing beads. The reinforcing
spring 32 may be shaped in various configurations, but includes at
least one U-shaped bend 34 for continuously urging the respective
first 24 and second 28 pairs of opposing beads laterally (i.e.,
third and fourth dimensions) relative to the length of the gasket
10. This lateral urging caused by the bent reinforcing spring 32
enhances the contact pressure of the beads 24, 28 against their
respective opposing flanges 12, 14, respectively. Through the
strategic shape and embedment of the reinforcing spring 32, the
gasket 10 is enabled to maintain a liquid impervious seal between
the opposing flanges 12, 14 through self-generated lateral contact
pressure on each of the flanges 12, 14 without requiring
compressive force to be maintained between the flanges 12, 14.
Thus, the structural composition of one or both flanges can be
lightened since there are no, or minimal, compressive loads to
sustain.
A side-by-side comparison of the subject gasket 10 and a prior art
construction adapted for a similar application can be readily
observed by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. A preferred embodiment of
the subject gasket 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4, mates with the
first flange 12 which is formed as a continuously extending trough
36 with a pair of oppositely facing contact faces 38 presenting
laterally toward one another on opposing sides of the trough 36.
The second flange 14, on the other hand, is defined by a
continuously extending tongue 40 with a pair of oppositely facing
contact faces 42 presenting laterally away from one another on
opposite sides of the tongue 40. In this case, the gasket body, as
viewed in cross-section, possesses an inverted Y-shaped
configuration with the first sealing member 21 inserted into the
trough 36 and the second sealing member 22 having a generally
U-shaped configuration overlapping both sides of the tongue 40. As
here shown, the resilient spring 32 likewise has a generally
Y-shaped configuration, as viewed in cross-section taken
perpendicularly through the length of the gasket 10. This Y-shaped
configuration of the resilient spring 32 is defined by a pair of
diverging legs 44 embedded within the second sealing member 22 and
a confluent stem 46 embedded within the first sealing member 20.
The U-shaped bend 34 spoken of previously is contained at the apex
of the stem 46, i.e., adjacent the upper most edge of the gasket
10. In this configuration, it is shown that the first pair of
opposing beads 24 protrudes laterally away from one another so as
to engage the contact faces 38 in a lateral direction. The second
pair of opposing beads 28 protrudes laterally toward one another,
and are adapted for directly engaging the contact faces 42 of the
tongue 40.
In operation, the gasket 10 is dimensioned so as to provide an
interference fit relationship between the respective beads 24, 28
and their respective contact faces 38, 42 on the flanges 12, 14.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first sealing member 20 is
inserted into the trough 36 in the first flange 12, the
interference fit between the first pair of beads 24 and the contact
faces 38 displaces the stem 46 portion of the reinforcing spring
32, thus squeezing it together as indicated by the imaginary
directional arrows. Thus, with the U-shaped bend 34 acting somewhat
like a living hinge, the diverging legs 44 are squeezed together,
resulting in a seal reaction force as depicted in FIG. 6, wherein
the second pair of beads 28 are squeezed ever more tightly against
their respective contact faces 42 on the tongue 40. A symbiotic
relationship is established between the forced displacement of the
reinforcing spring 32 associated with the first flange 12 that
improves the sealing characteristics at the interface with the
second flange 14. In like manner, attachment of the second sealing
member 22 to the tongue 40 displaces the diverging legs 44 of the
reinforcing spring 32 outwardly, as depicted by directional arrows
in FIG. 5, due to the interference fit between the second pair of
beads 28 and the contact faces 42. This, in turn, urges a spreading
of the stem 46 via the hinge-like U-shaped bend 34. The result, as
depicted in FIG. 6, is a laterally outwardly directed seal reaction
force tending to more tightly press the first pair of beads 24
(along with any supplemental beads 26) more tightly against the
contact faces 38 in the trough 36. Thus, the unique construction of
the subject gasket 10 with the embedded reinforcing spring 32,
coupled with the novel construction of the first 12 and second 14
flanges, results in a gasket 10 better adapted to maintain a liquid
impervious seal between the first 12 and second 14 flanges through
self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of the respective
contact faces 38, 42.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a first alternative embodiment of the
subject gasket 110 is shown and described. In this first
alternative embodiment, reference numbers similar to those used
above are offset by 100 and re-used to identify corresponding
features for convenience. In this embodiment, the shape of the
first sealing member 120 is mirrored with that of the second
sealing member 122, such that the resulting cross-sectional shape
of the gasket 110 resembles the letter "H." In this design, the
reinforcing spring 132 is composed of first and second disjointed
halves, each half containing a U-shaped bend 134 in the center
connecting portion of the gasket body. The shape of the first
flange 112 is modified accordingly, and now takes a form identical
to that of the second flange 114 for proper mating with the
configuration of this alternative gasket 110. In all other
respects, the gasket 110 functions the same as that described above
in connection with the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 8 depicts a second alternative embodiment to the subject
invention. In this example, in which reference numbers consistent
with that of the preferred embodiment are off set by 200, the
second flange 214 has been modified to minor that of the first
flange 212. Likewise, the second sealing member 222 of the gasket
210 mirrors the first sealing member 220, developing a
cross-sectional configuration of the gasket 210 in the shape of a
plus (+) sign. In this example, the reinforcing spring 232 is again
formed in first and second halves one half each serving the first
220 and second 222 sealing members. The U-shaped bend 234 of each
half of the reinforcing spring 232 is positioned near the apex, as
in the preferred embodiment. Portions of the respective reinforcing
spring halves may be bent in laterally outward directions (third
and fourth dimensions) to stiffen the body of the gasket or
otherwise enhance functionality as needed.
The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the
relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather
than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the
disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the
art and fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly the
scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be
determined by studying the following claims.
* * * * *